Philip Kewin has stepped down from his role as CEO of the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) after four years at the helm.

GM Policy and Professionalism Phil Anderson has been appointed acting CEO while the board conducts a search for a permanent successor.

“The time is right for me to pass the baton,” Mr Kewin said.

AFA President Michael Nowak says the AFA’s advocacy had been recognised for its effectiveness and professionalism under Mr Kewin’s leadership.

“Phil has advanced the AFA’s reputation as an influential professional body, and we are fortunate that he leaves us with a larger member base and with enhanced relationships with the government and regulators,” he said.

The AFA is well positioned as it gears up for a new wave of policy advocacy and regulatory reform and the government prepares to consider the future of life insurance commissions under the Life Insurance Framework review, Mr Nowak says.

The AFA also welcomes Dawn Thomas as the new national chair of AFA Inspire, which encourages the growth of women in the advice profession.

Ms Thomas, who takes over from Multiforte director Kate McCallum, is a senior financial adviser with Perth-based Wealthwise. She was the AFA's 2019 Female Excellence in Advice award winner.

"I look forward to harnessing the power, tenacity, resilience and advocacy demonstrated by women within this industry,” Ms Thomas said.

Mr Nowak says Ms Thomas will "help us deliver on our vision for AFA Inspire which is to empower women to believe in themselves, to be confident with all things money and to grow prosperous financial futures".